State Building (580-582)

Recovery in Western Europe: State Building

Demographic recovery strengthened western European states like in China
- Political authority in series of regional states in Europe, not centralized empire
- By late 15th century, many states created government techniques that enhanced their power
Holy Roman Empire survived in name, but authority laid with German princes and Italian city-states after mid-13th century
Descendants of Muslim conquerors in Spain held kingdom of Granada
Kings of France and England fought over lands they both claimed
- Resulted in Hundred Years' War (1337-1453)
  - Series of campaigns with warring factions seeking control of French lands

1. Taxes and Armies

By late 15th century, regional states in western Europe strengthened their societies
- Some laid foundations for emergence of 2 powerful monarchies
During late middle ages, state-building efforts involved 2 main elements
- Development of fresh sources of finance
  - Usually through new taxes levied directly on citizens and subjects, supplementing the rulers' income
- Maintenance of large standing armies
  - Often consisted of mercenary forces with gunpowder weapons

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2. Italian States

Major city-states important
- Milan, Venice, Florence, Rome, Naples
  - Financed by levying direct taxes and using long term bonds
- Controlled public Italy

3. France and Englad

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4. Spain

Marriage of King Aragog and Isabel of Castile in 1469 brought the two wealthiest Iberian realm
- Under their rule, they finished the reconquista by conquering Granada
- 1492, seized Southern Italy
- by 1559, they had almost entire Italian peninsula
- they sponsored Christopher Columbus's quest for a route to China
Competitions between European states was more prominent as they tightened their authority in their territories
- led to rapid development of armies and navies
- made new weapons that helped them as they began to travel again